Lincoln Rebounds
Ford Inside News
May 1, 2013
By: Austin Rutherford

Ford reported today an increase in sales of 17.9-% for April 2013. Not only did Ford see gains at Ford the brand, but also finally at Lincoln as the brand's sales rose 21-% on the back of the all-new MkZ. All together, cars were up 21-%, utilities up 16-%, and trucks up 16-%.

Leading the way at Ford was the Escape, which saw sales skyrocket 52-%. Next up, the F-Series and Fusion saw sales climb 24-% each. Both the Escape and Fusion saw their best April sales ever, while the F-Series saw its best sales since 2006.

Ford mentions that sales of the Fusion doubled in the Western region of the US, including the all important market of California. Southwest sales were up 70 percent as well. Other gains in car sales were the Fiesta with 18.4-%, Focus with 16.1-%, and C-Max saw sales over 3,600 units. Taurus and Mustang broke about even. Explorer and E-Series also saw healthy gains.

Lincoln sales saw gains due to the all-new MkZ. April was its first full month of sales with full inventory on the lots at dealers. MkZ sales saw their best sales ever for any month and was the first time the nameplate had of 4,000 units... [Read More]

Cheap Compact for China
Ford Inside News
April 19, 2013
By: Austin Rutherford

As part of Ford's 15 new vehicles in China 2015, Ford today lifted the veil off the Ford Escort Concept, which will be seen on the Ford stand at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. Joining it will be the new Mondeo and Fiesta ST.

One of the fastest growing segments in China, the cheap compact segment is essential for Ford to enter into. Most likely designed by Ford of Australia, the Escort shares Ford's Kinetic design theme to the lower class market.

No engine availability was given, but we will learn more closer to when the production version launches.

... [Read More]

1.5L I3 EcoBoost Joining the Range
Ford Inside News
April 8, 2013
By: Austin Rutherford

Update: The new 1.5L EcoBoost is actually an inline-4. From what we have learned, Ford China presented the wrong picture during the Mondeo presentation earlier this month. This lead to reports the engine was an inline-3 from China. Hence the reason why it was originally reported on here as an inline-3.

As if the already wide ranging engine lineup weren't impressive enough, Ford is going to add another engine to the Fusion for the 2014 model year. Ford Inside News has learned through an internal document that the 1.5L 3 cylinder EcoBoost, which recently launched on the Fusion's alter ego - the Ford Mondeo in China - less than a week ago, will be available in North America. This engine will be the second inline-3 engine to be offered by Ford on the continent.

The 1.5L I3 EB is of the same engine family and is likely a bored version of the already announced 1.0L I3 EB. This engine will start sales in the Mexican-built Fiesta later this year after already being launched globally. The new bore will be available on the SE package, like the 1.6L I4 EB, of the Fusion. The 1.6L, however, will drop... [Read More]